Immediate Impressions

[RavenousBG]

How do you feel about the draft? Knee jerk reactions.

I think it was solid. The big head scratcher is Pierce for me but only a little bit of a head scratcher. I think I am satisfied. I wanted Hightower or Upshaw. I thought there was an outside shot to land Stephen Hill if the Ravens really believed in his development but I'm sure the price was high to move up and get someone like him after they got Upshaw. We waited a long time to get a wideout but I am good with it because I still want to see what Doss and Williams bring in year 2.
Knee jerk is that we got better defensively and filled the holes on the Oline. Streeter may not be a difference maker right away. I'm watching Asa Jackson as the returner. FYI my youngest's name is Asa. So I hope he blows up the league in returns!

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='RavenousBG' timestamp='1335655694' post='1066181']
How do you feel about the draft? Knee jerk reactions.

I think it was solid. The big head scratcher is Pierce for me but only a little bit of a head scratcher. I think I am satisfied. I wanted Hightower or Upshaw. I thought there was an outside shot to land [b]Stephen Hill[/b] if the Ravens really believed in his development but I'm sure the price was high to move up and get someone like him after they got Upshaw. We waited a long time to get a wideout but I am good with it because I still want to see what Doss and Williams bring in year 2.
Knee jerk is that we got better defensively and filled the holes on the Oline. Streeter may not be a difference maker right away. I'm watching Asa Jackson as the returner. FYI my youngest's name is Asa. So I hope he blows up the league in returns!
[/quote]

I feel sorry for Hill, I think his talent will go to complete waste with Sanchez - Santonio Holmes never had less than 800 yards receiving in 4 years in Pittsburgh (including his rookie season where he started 4 games). In 16 starts last year he had less than 700 yards.

Overall I'm pleased with this draft - we can fill some much needed holes on the offensive line, we have another impact pass rusher, we have a return specialist who I guess could also help out as a Dback some, and we have a receiver that A) fits what Cam wants to do (finally), and B. could be that impact redzone target that we really haven't had on this team.

[RavenousBG]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1335656065' post='1066206']
I feel sorry for Hill, I think his talent will go to complete waste with Sanchez - Santonio Holmes never had less than 800 yards receiving in 4 years in Pittsburgh (including his rookie season where he started 4 games). In 16 starts last year he had less than 700 yards.
[/quote]

Absolutely agree! It's exactly what I said when they drafted him. They are going to just throw the kid out there.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='RavenousBG' timestamp='1335656252' post='1066217']
Absolutely agree! It's exactly what I said when they drafted him. They are going to just throw the kid out there.
[/quote]

On the bright side, maybe in 3 years they'll call him "a bust" and drop him, then we can pick him up on the cheap and watch him turn into a stud.

[Free Agent]

[quote name='RavenousBG' timestamp='1335656252' post='1066217']
Absolutely agree! It's exactly what I said when they drafted him. They are going to just throw the kid out there.
[/quote]

Which is exactly the opposite of what he needs. Ideally, a situation where he could start out as the 3rd or 4th WR and take a year or two to develop would be best for him. However, it looks like they are going to do just as you said, and throw him into the fire right off the bat.

[GrimCoconut]

My immediate impression? I'll give it!

My immediate impression with the offensive line is this: we drafted Osemele and Gradkowski. Osemele will take that LG spot and make it his own and be a beast in that spot. We will have two Marshall Yandas on our roster. Birk will be backed up by Gradkowski, who is a smart player who will be replacing Birk next year. Reid? He's going to be the back-up LT and will be groomed to be our future LT next year if he shows good things in practice, because I don't see us bringing McKinnie back and I don't think we traded up for him for nothing. Hell, he even might replace McKinnie this year if he looks really good. Oher will be the RT and he will improve with a full offseason to maximize his potential.

My immediate impression on the quarterback and run game is that by improving our OL so much, it will give Flacco more time to get to WRs and let the routes develop and it will allow Rice to get bigger gains and Pierce to be more effective. I think Pierce will be a very good complement to Rice, and it will help us posture better during negotiations and if push comes to shove we can let Rice walk next year and extend Flacco now.

My immediate impression on our WRs is that we got a good project in Streeter. He's very similar to Hill and probably should have gone earlier. I would have liked McNutt, Childs, & Jones who were stolen from us right before we picked, but it is what it is. I think Streeter will play on the outside and I think he will do well. I see him being a good Redzone target for us and Flacco and he will provide some good mismatches.

Our LBs got a big upgrade with Upshaw, and it will provide a lot of good competition for Kindle and Kruger as well as McAdoo. We finally have someone who I believe gives us a presence opposite of Suggs. I love this pick.

Our secondary got a good boost, getting a project in Thompson as well as a very good returner and a CB in A-Jax. Love the two picks.

And we got a DL guy in Tyson, who will probably be there to help us get over the loss of Redding and he provides good depth for us behind Jones and McPhee.

[Ed_Reed20]

I like the draft. I see Upshaw, KO, Pierce and Jackson all making immediate impacts. I don't how many snaps Gradkowski, Streeter,Thompson and Tyson will get on offense and defense, but it'll be funwatching them develop.

[CapoRocky]

My overall feeling is that this draft could turn out to be better than the critics are grading us C or C-. Let's just say that Upshaw has a good chance to be the starting LB next to Ray this year. Next, Osemele beats out Reid at guard and starts in the RG spot. We don't need Gurode since Gradkowski is able to fill in at both G and C. Hopefully, everyone stays healthy and Birk doesn't struggle like he did in the AFCCG. Reid is a backup to McKinnie and Oher. Is Pierce going to bes a backup to Allen or will he move up into the second RB position? Having a 3-headed monster again would prolong all of their careers but won't make Rice AP money. Thompson is a backup to Cody. The biggest question mark is the kick return game. Will Jackson unseat D. Reed and other potential KR/PR candidates? Will we be satisfied with having Streeter on the bench when we need him in the red zone? Only time will tell. Stay tune folks.

[ratedr]

I feel like Cinncinati and Pitt and better drafts than us and that scares me. A lot.

Cinncinati, especially, had a monstrous draft. I wish we weren't playing them first so we could get some tape.

[CapoRocky]

I don't feel sorry for Hill. He has Ryan to yell at him and Tebow to pray for him. What else could a kid want?

[hey_hernandez]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1335657545' post='1066269']
I feel like Cinncinati and Pitt and better drafts than us and that scares me. A lot.

Cinncinati, especially, had a monstrous draft. I wish we weren't playing them first so we could get some tape.
[/quote]

Hey, lack of tape works both ways. We're usually pretty strong on opening day!

[RavensRevenge]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1335657476' post='1066266']
My overall feeling is that this draft could turn out to be better than the critics are grading us C or C-. Let's just say that Upshaw has a good chance to be the starting LB next to Ray this year. [/quote]

Personally, I'm puzzled by the Upshaw pic. Everything I've read on him says he fits as an OLB/DE with his hands on the dirt, doing the same thing that Suggs does but the other side. Meanwhile, what about Kruger & Kindle? We've seen that Kruger is a real hard worker, can get to the QB and plays with enthusiasm. I have only seen a little of Kindle but he looks like he's on the road to his college form.

If Upshaw is going to move from the end and play in the middle then it all makes sense. However, other than the poster (who I have quoted), I haven't heard anyone say he will.

I wonder why Upshaw can't play in the middle. His lack of pure speed and his physical nature seems like it would fit there.

If Upshaw is going to play on the end then the Ravens have invested 3 second-round picks there and will likely release one of them (probably Kindle) next season. That seems pretty wasteful.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='RavensRevenge' timestamp='1335658161' post='1066293']
Personally, I'm puzzled by the Upshaw pic. Everything I've read on him says he fits as an OLB/DE with his hands on the dirt, doing the same thing that Suggs does but the other side. Meanwhile, what about Kruger & Kindle? We've seen that Kruger is a real hard worker, can get to the QB and plays with enthusiasm. I have only seen a little of Kindle but he looks like he's on the road to his college form.

If Upshaw is going to move from the end and play in the middle then it all makes sense. However, other than the poster (who I have quoted), I haven't heard anyone say he will.

I wonder why Upshaw can't play in the middle. His lack of pure speed and his physical nature seems like it would fit there.

If Upshaw is going to play on the end then the Ravens have invested 3 second-round picks there and will likely release one of them (probably Kindle) next season. That seems pretty wasteful.
[/quote]

I'm sure that we'll hear about Upshaw a lot in the weeks leading up to training camp. Whatever they want to do one thing is for certain the guy has talent. You can't teach talent it's a gift. Now, it's up to the coaches to take that gift and turn it into something.

[T3hRaven]

[quote name='RavensRevenge' timestamp='1335658161' post='1066293']
Personally, I'm puzzled by the Upshaw pic. Everything I've read on him says he fits as an OLB/DE with his hands on the dirt,[b] doing the same thing that Suggs does but the other side[/b]. Meanwhile, what about Kruger & Kindle? We've seen that Kruger is a real hard worker, can get to the QB and plays with enthusiasm. I have only seen a little of Kindle but he looks like he's on the road to his college form.
[/quote]

I'm sorry, what's the problem with two Suggs-like players? Steelers have two similar OLBs, the power rush works.

[Kwothdaraven]

What really made me like the draft was streeter in the 6th. i would have liked stephen hill in the 2nd but we got basically the same guy in the 6th while beefing up our oline.

[RavensRevenge]

moving along, I think trading up to get Bernard Pierce seems like a mistake. I'm an Anthony Allen fan. I know that Allen can still compete for the backup job. However, I haven't read any scouting report on Pierce that suggests he'd be an upgrade over Allen.

I'm also not sure about the Kelechi Osemele pick. He's strong, but I wonder if his erratic technique doesn't make him more of a project than a potential starter.

I love the Gino Gradkowski pick. I also can't wait to see why Christian Thompson was so highly rated by the Ravens coaches and nowhere else.

[RavensRevenge]

[quote]I'm sorry, what's the problem with two Suggs-like players? Steelers have two similar OLBs, the power rush works[/quote]

So, we're going to cut Kindle? What about Kruger, doesn't he bring value to us?

Also, Upshaw is not known for his pass coverage.

[ratedr]

Loving the Gradkowski pick now. Supposedly the Steelers, Niners, and Pats also liked him.

Love this interview: http://profootball.scout.com/2/1175212.html

This man is a true Raven.

[truthistold2u]

[quote name='RavensRevenge' timestamp='1335658707' post='1066310']
So, we're going to cut Kindle? What about Kruger, doesn't he bring value to us?

Also, Upshaw is not known for his pass coverage.
[/quote]

Wasn't asked to do it but he can. Said he did it in practice and used to be a DB at his presser (Funny Harbs reaction)

He's a better run stopper than Kruger but they will all play

[GrimCoconut]

I think teams will regret passing on Upshaw.

After I saw Gradkowski visit us, I looked him up and really started to like him and he quickly became my favorite center for us to get, so I am very happy we took him. Surprised we got him when we did, but it made sense when you look at the picks after ours were centers.

[Marc2k6]

The draft to me other than Upshaw, I was not impressed by any of the names and I hope to be impressed by what the new players develop into as Ravens. Yeah it is nice to collect a bunch of big names but I want players that are looking to play big. So we get a C/C- for the draft but the test on the field has not been given yet!

[rheebrosinc]

I feel this draft was very solid. Whoever graded our draft a C or C- is a noob. You can't really grade a draft class until after a couple of years. I think the Ravens drafted solid and good players that will make either an immediate or future impact. I'm excited!

[Sizzlebshu]

[quote name='RavensRevenge' timestamp='1335658161' post='1066293']
Personally, I'm puzzled by the Upshaw pic. Everything I've read on him says he fits as an OLB/DE with his hands on the dirt, doing the same thing that Suggs does but the other side. Meanwhile, what about Kruger & Kindle? We've seen that Kruger is a real hard worker, can get to the QB and plays with enthusiasm. I have only seen a little of Kindle but he looks like he's on the road to his college form.

If Upshaw is going to move from the end and play in the middle then it all makes sense. However, other than the poster (who I have quoted), I haven't heard anyone say he will.

I wonder why Upshaw can't play in the middle. His lack of pure speed and his physical nature seems like it would fit there.

If Upshaw is going to play on the end then the Ravens have invested 3 second-round picks there and will likely release one of them (probably Kindle) next season. That seems pretty wasteful.
[/quote]

well in their defense, its really only two unless Kindle can overcome a severe accident

[rheebrosinc]

[quote name='Marc2k6' timestamp='1335660180' post='1066361']
The draft to me other than Upshaw, I was not impressed by any of the names and I hope to be impressed by what the new players develop into as Ravens. Yeah it is nice to collect a bunch of big names but I want players that are looking to play big. So we get a C/C- for the draft but the test on the field has not been given yet!
[/quote]

I agree. How many big name players have been drafted and become busts? a good amount. The Ravens didn't get a lot of big name players, but they got players that play like a Raven and fit the system the Ravens run.

[izvoodoo]

Apparently Small schools were in this year.

[Sunday QB]

good that's all, maybe could have been better.

[colljb9]

It will be very interesting to see what happens with upshaw and kruger. Upshaw is such a good pass rusher that it could be tough to take him out on third downs and let kruger rush. The upshaw pick hit us perfectly because with so many good, young linebackers, all of them are going to have to step up if they want to play. Dont forget about pernell mcphee rushing the passer with these guys as well. Living in ACC territory, the fact streeter dropped to the 6th round is one of the biggest steals of the draft. This guy is 6 foot 5 and runs a 4.40. Remember the knock on tory smith when he was an early rookie, guy can fly but can run routes and cant catch. Well by the end smith was running many routes and catching a lot better. Streeter can fly and has zero problems catching, and at 6 foot 5 with flaccos huge arm all he needs to do is throw it up. I personally really like this draft we got a lot of good players...not so many standout stars but man did we get depth and value with nearly all our picks

[truthistold2u]

I expect a lot of Subs between OLB/DE to keep guys fresh and competition only means guys trying to improve and fight for it. They'll all play

[RavenousBG]

[quote name='RavensRevenge' timestamp='1335658707' post='1066310']
So, we're going to cut Kindle? What about Kruger, doesn't he bring value to us?

Also, Upshaw is not known for his pass coverage.
[/quote]

Kruger and Kindle.

Kruger will be looking for a long term contract next year so if he falls flat, then we let him go and if he soars we probably cannot afford him.
Kindle has one more year to make a splash and he might make but even if he does, we can most likely sign him on the cheap and move him around. He can back up Suggs and back up Kruger/Upshaw. But Upshaw is probably the full time starter future if he lives up to potential. Kindle may never realize his full potential because of injury. We had to protect ourselves.

[Blex64]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1335657476' post='1066266']
My overall feeling is that this draft could turn out to be better than the critics are grading us C or C-. Let's just say that Upshaw has a good chance to be the starting LB next to Ray this year. Next, Osemele beats out Reid at guard and starts in the RG spot. We don't need Gurode since Gradkowski is able to fill in at both G and C. Hopefully, everyone stays healthy and Birk doesn't struggle like he did in the AFCCG. Reid is a backup to McKinnie and Oher. Is Pierce going to bes a backup to Allen or will he move up into the second RB position? Having a 3-headed monster again would prolong all of their careers but won't make Rice AP money. Thompson is a backup to Cody. The biggest question mark is the kick return game. Will Jackson unseat D. Reed and other potential KR/PR candidates? Will we be satisfied with having Streeter on the bench when we need him in the red zone? Only time will tell. Stay tune folks.
[/quote]

No offense, but half the time when I read your posts, I have reread them a couple more times, and I still end up puzzled. I have no idea what you're trying to say sometimes.

Upshaw starting next to Ray? I'm not sure if you mean literally, which is possible since he'd be playing OLB, but usually when people say "start next to Ray" they mean at the ILB position, which Upshaw does not play. He'll probably be taking JJ's position in the starting lineup.

Yanda plays RG, and was the best RG in the league last year. Osemele is going to be competing for the LG spot.

Pierce is almost definitely going to be our backup/3rd down RB. Were not going to run a 3-headed monster or RB-by-committee, and Ray Rice isn't going to get AP money regardless.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong here, but I'm fairly certain Jackson only has a lot of experience in PR's from college, not KR's. While having him do both is probably ideal, I do think getting Webb off punt returns is a more urgent need then replacing David Reed. If he can do that, and just that, great. If he can do both, even better.

I do agree with you about Streeter, but I've got outside hope he can contribute this year.

[quote name='RavensRevenge' timestamp='1335658161' post='1066293']
Personally, I'm puzzled by the Upshaw pic. Everything I've read on him says he fits as an OLB/DE with his hands on the dirt, doing the same thing that Suggs does but the other side. Meanwhile, what about Kruger & Kindle? We've seen that Kruger is a real hard worker, can get to the QB and plays with enthusiasm. I have only seen a little of Kindle but he looks like he's on the road to his college form.

If Upshaw is going to move from the end and play in the middle then it all makes sense. However, other than the poster (who I have quoted), I haven't heard anyone say he will.

I wonder why Upshaw can't play in the middle. His lack of pure speed and his physical nature seems like it would fit there.

If Upshaw is going to play on the end then the Ravens have invested 3 second-round picks there and will likely release one of them (probably Kindle) next season. That seems pretty wasteful.
[/quote]'

I've been wondering this as well. To me, it seems like a "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" scenario. Upshaw reminds me a LOT of Suggs. He plays both positions, and his questions in the draft were his speed and which position he'd play - sound familiar? In an ideal world, Upshaw would be as flexible as Suggs and have the ability to play both DE and OLB positions. That'd give us a lot of flexibility and allow us to work in some really creative pass rushing schemes, like with Suggs and Upshaw at DE with Kindle and Kruger at OLB.

I think that's unlikely though. Kruger will probably see more time with us as a pass rushing specialist, but I doubt Kindle will ever produice at an NFL level. I'd love to be proven wrong, but yeah.